Smith attributed the Gophers’ sluggishness against the Bison to a “nine day layoff” but Minnesota has a habit of slow starts. “We gotta play a lot better,” Smith said when asked about being ready for the Big Ten.
This isn’t Smith’s most talented team but may well be his most unselfish. He often praises the character of these players and they have shown competitiveness and composure including in close wins.
Still, Minnesota enters tonight’s game truly as a mystery team. The starting lineup has only two players, forward Rodney Williams and center Ralph Sampson III, who have been regular starters in past conference games. That’s a test sure to challenge the Gophers and so, too, will be playing away from Williams Arena. During the non-conference schedule Minnesota played 10 games at home, three on a neutral court and none in an opponent’s home arena.
Tonight’s game could be a bit ugly to watch. Neither Illinois nor Minnesota will remind anyone of the old show-time Lakers. The Gophers have struggled to not only make outside shots, including three pointers, but defending shots beyond the arc has been a problem. The good news is Illinois has been among the poorest shooting teams in the Big Ten during non-conference play including from three point range.
Minnesota will have to control leading Illinois scorer D.J. Richardson, a junior guard averaging 14.3 points per game, and 7-foot-1 sophomore center Meyers Leonard who is among the Big Ten leaders in points and rebounds. The Gophers, if they are to win, will probably have to find their own go-to guy for leadership and points, particularly late in the game.
But if they don’t hold their poise against a good Illinois team and loud Illini crowd early in the game, the Gophers won’t need anyone to play hero in the closing minutes. And then Minnesota’s road problems will continue on.